Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Panaji, Jul 10: The southwest monsoon has once again weakened over Goa, resulting in only light to moderate rainfall across most parts of the state over the past few days. The subdued activity has widened the seasonal rainfall deficit to 26.7 per cent, according to weather data.
After a brief spell of moderate to heavy showers during the final days of June and the first week of July, which boosted reservoir levels and brought relief to farmers, rainfall has declined significantly. Over the last five days, the state has received only 126.3 mm of rain, with the highest single-day rainfall of 40.5 mm recorded on July 5.
Goa's cumulative rainfall for the season has reached 898.6 mm, well below the normal mark of 1,225.2 mm expected by this stage of the monsoon. Although the rainfall deficit had crossed 70 per cent during June, the lack of consistent showers in July has prevented any meaningful recovery.
The heaviest 24-hour rainfall of the season so far was recorded on June 23, when 89.5 mm was received, followed closely by 88.1 mm later in the same month. Despite July being the peak monsoon period, the highest daily rainfall this month has been only 64.9 mm, recorded on July 1.
During the 24-hour period ending Thursday morning, Sanguem recorded the highest rainfall at 42.3 mm. Old Goa received 15.2 mm, while Valpoi and Dharbandora registered 14.2 mm each. Sanquelim recorded 10.8 mm, whereas all other monitoring stations, except Pernem, received less than 10 mm of rainfall.
The reduced cloud cover has also led to a noticeable rise in temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Panaji recorded a maximum temperature of 32.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday, nearly three degrees above the seasonal average.
Night-time conditions also remained unusually warm, with the minimum temperature settling at 27.2 degrees Celsius, around 2.9 degrees above normal, contributing to humid and uncomfortable weather across the state.
The IMD has forecast moderate rainfall over the coming days but indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to remain in a relatively weak phase, as the prevailing weather systems in the surrounding region are not strong enough to generate widespread heavy showers.